One mission, four connected fields of work.

Preservation

Caring for the places that connect us.

From immigrant gathering places to sites of Korea’s independence movement, historic places hold stories that connect people across generations and borders. HOKF works with owners, specialists, and local communities to identify significant places and develop thoughtful approaches to their preservation and continued use. We approach Korean American heritage as shared heritage—part of both the Korean diaspora’s experience and the history of the communities where it took root.

Research

Finding the stories. Building the evidence.

A building, a photograph, or a personal recollection can open a new understanding of the past. HOKF brings archival research, field documentation, and oral history together to explore Korean migration, independence efforts, and community life. We ground interpretation in verifiable evidence while respecting the perspectives of those who hold these memories. This research provides a foundation for preservation decisions, public understanding, and future scholarship.

Education

Making heritage part of learning—and life.

Heritage becomes meaningful when people can encounter it, ask questions, and connect it with their own lives. HOKF develops opportunities for learning through historic places, exhibitions, stories, and educational resources. Working with educators and cultural institutions, we aim to make Korean American history accessible to learners of different ages and backgrounds. We invite the next generation to explore their roots and discover how these experiences belong within a broader, shared history.

Community

An open platform for shared work.

The future of heritage depends on the people who care for it. HOKF brings together community members, preservation professionals, researchers, educators, and institutions to exchange knowledge and turn ideas into collaborative projects. We aspire to be an open platform where the talents of the Korean diaspora and partners across communities can meet. Whether you bring a family archive, professional expertise, or a commitment to a place, there is a role for you.